Downtown Phoenix

In a Nutshell

Held for the 80th consecutive year, the Tamale Dinner & Festival is the longest-running fundraiser in the state; benefits Friendly House

The Fine Print

Promotional value expires Nov 8, 2015. Amount paid never expires.May be repurchased every 90 days. Limit 1 per person, may buy 1 additional as a gift. Limit 1 per visit. Valid only for option purchased. Merchant is solely responsible to purchasers for the care and quality of the advertised goods and services.

80th Annual Friendly House Tamale Dinner & Festival

Choose from Three Options

$25 for admission for four ($40 value)

$45 for admission for six ($60 value)

$60 for admission for eight ($80 value)

The festival takes place Saturday, November 7, from noon to 7 p.m. at the Arizona Center. Restaurants compete in the Battle of the Tamales, and performances by musicians and dancers, as well as kids’ activities, will also take place. This Groupon only includes admission; food and drink tickets may be purchased separately.

80th Annual Friendly House Tamale Dinner & Festival

Imagine the competitive energy of a dance-off, but with more corn husks. Here, revelers experience exactly that hybrid fun, thanks to the Battle of the Tamales. Fifteen restaurants compete, feeding everyone in sight their tastiest tamales; by the night's end, based on votes from the crowd and judges, one restaurant wins citywide bragging rights, which is like being crowned prom queen without all the awkward slow dancing.

Of course, the event's not all about winning. It's also about fun and charitable giving. Guests sip margaritas and dance to live music, while kids enjoy age-appropriate entertainment. Proceeds from the event, meanwhile, go to Friendly House, a local nonprofit geared toward helping immigrants transition into life in the United States.